Victoria's top cop apologises for force's treatment of LGBTQI communities

Victoria's top cop has officially apologised for the force's treatment of people in the state's LGBTQI communities, acknowledging the historical harm done by police.

Chief Commissioner of Police, Graham Ashton today tended an official apology which was accompanied by a short video in which he said there had "clearly been times when our actions caused unnecessary and unacceptable harm to the community and to our own people".

In 1994 Melbourne's Tasty Nightclub – a popular spot for Melbourne's gay, queer and transgender communities - was raided by about 40 officers.

McNamara said that while she considered herself lucky in the way she's been treated, many within gender diverse Victorian communities had suffered with some still remaining fearful of involving police if they've been the victim of a crime.

"It's a very important first step of acceptance of our community for police and for police [to accept] our community," she said.

The Chief Commissioner also acknowledged the 20 year anniversary of the Victoria Police LGBTI Portfolio Reference Group which consists of police, peak bodies and community organisations with the aim of providing advice to assist police in engagement with LGBTQI communities.

"The help of the portfolio reference group has been critical in us understanding the needs of the community and what they need from police," Ashton said.

Victoria Police has moved to strengthen its relationships with the community and to re-build trust through things like participation in the Midsumma Pride March and now has more than 370 gay and lesbian liaison officers.

Leading Senior Constable Gabby Tyacke said "about 70 per cent to 80 per cent of LGBTQI people don't report crime to police".

"So even though we're doing a lot of work with the community, there's a lot more to be done to make people feel confident in us and safe enough to come and report to us."